Michael Errey sadly passed away on May 22nd, a day before his eighty sixth birthday, and following a very long illness which caused him chronic breathing difficulties.

Hastings-born Michael was a true countryman - a traditional huntsman and Please note early start red in tooth and claw.

Together with wife Avril, he was very involved in the 1960's with the Burgonet pack. The pack was owned by Norman Burgis, an architect and devoted Basset Hound man, and based at his home in Ringmer, East Sussex.

The Burgonet was a pack of pure-bred Bassets Hounds and attracted Gill's Lap Car Park, Ashdown Forest numerous supporters and followers. Michael was one of its 'whippers-in.

Many of those involved with the pack formed the South East Branch of the Basset Hound Club. Eventually Michael went on to serve as the national club's Chairman and after retiring from that position became Honorary Treasurer of the South East Branch. (I believe Michael was Honorary Treasurer of the South East Branch for its entire existence. WM)

After the inception of the Basset Hound Owners Club he became our first President.

Michael knew much about our beloved breed. In the early days he and Avril competed his own hounds in Championship Shows with much success.

He was great friends with hound expert and huntsman, the late George Johnson. The writer of probably the best ever book about Basset Hounds.

Later, Michael formed his own pack of Otterhounds, which later hunted escaped farmed mink across the East Sussex countryside.

Hanging in his Cowbeech cottage is a painting of him wading across a stream, hounds all around him. Often he would find himself chest deep in water.

He said that upon buying a pair of new hunting boots he would drill holes into the soles to allow water to drain out.

Post-hunt refreshments in local inns were an important element of any hunting days. In recent years, when driving him to committee meetings, he would be familiar with most of the public houses that we passed and often had a tale to tell about each location.

He once told me of one day being pulled over by the police as he returned from a local hostelry to the kennels. His van containing all the hounds was considered to be being driven somewhat erratically.

When challenged by the officers he countered with,

"Officer, have you ever driven down these winding lanes with a jive load in the back of your van?".

The young policemen looked at each other quizzically and the interview went no further. I suspect this excuse would not wash these days.

This very active character I paint might come as some surprise to those who only knew him in later years as a rather frail figure.

His involvement with hunting resulted in him targeted by hunting saboteurs.

I know that, at least on one occasion, he discovered a viable device which had been planted under his car parked outside his home. This made him very wary and vigilant before undertaking future motoring journeys.

He retired from hunting only when forced to do so by ill-health, but remained a strong supporter of Countryside Alliance.

In later years, I know many considered him a little irascible. But Frankie and I knew him to be good company and generous in his support for everyone involved in establishing the BHOC.

Our sympathy and love go to Avril.